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First, you need to know your Body Mass Index, or BMI. It is simply a number calculated from height and weight.
Click Here for our BMI Calculator
Ultimately, the decision on appropriateness for surgery requires consultation with a bariatric surgeon, however, we can provide our general guidelines:
You may be a candidate for either Gastric Bypass or Lap-Band® if: - Your BMI is 40 or greater.
- OR your BMI is 35 or greater and you have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or certain other medical conditions diagnosed by a physician.
You may be a candidate for a Lap-Band® if: - Your BMI is 30 or greater.
Note: The FDA has not approved use of the Lap-Band in individuals with a BMI under 35 or BMI 35 to 40 without associated medical conditions. This does not mean it is unlawful and cannot be done. In fact, research done in Australia has shown excellent results with the Lap-Band in people with a BMI of 30-35. Use of the Lap-Band in such individuals is considered “off-label,” and is not covered by insurance. WILL MY INSURANCE COVER Weight LOSS SURGERY?
It depends. You should contact the insurance company’s customer service. There is us-ally a toll-free number on the back of the insurance card. Call them and ask if they cover LapBand and Gastric Bypass, and what requirements they have. When you do come for a consultation, our office staff will help you further pursue insurance approval.
WHAT IF MY INSURANCE DOES NOT COVER SURGERY?
Lap-Band and Gastric Bypass can be done on a “self-pay” basis.
For those who might need to take out a loan, CapitalOne has a financing program avail-able under their “cosmetic surgery” program: http://www.capitalonehealthcarefinance.com/cosmetic
Please contact our business office at 903-593-0230 for information on pricing.
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